Stuart in MN
Well-known member
No kidding. Look at the money people spend to chase a little white ball around a golf course.
Car lift - is it worth it when you're old
- Thread starter UpstateNY
- Start date
gamescastspencer
Well-known member
I’m on the other side of the coin, I’m young (24), but decided to take advantage of some sales at the end of last year and get a four post. It’s been a very nice asset to the shop. So far the use has been primarily storage, with a couple small service type jobs, couple larger scale jobs.
Went with a 9k Race Tools Direct unit (Tuxedo). Looks like prices have gone up quite a bit since last fall though. For the lift (comes with drip trays, jack tray, caster kit), rolling bridge jack, 90° bracket for power unit, and shipping, taxes, was $5400. Looking at their site for what I got is just a touch over $7000 now.
A friend and myself assembled it, so no cost to do that.
I will say, as I had not ever worked on a lift before, but done a lot of wrenching on the ground/jack stands, there is some getting used to doing things up high, that you might have become accustomed to doing down low.
Around here at least, four posts seem to hold their value quite well, so if a situation arose that required getting rid of it, you’d probably not see a huge loss.
Went with a 9k Race Tools Direct unit (Tuxedo). Looks like prices have gone up quite a bit since last fall though. For the lift (comes with drip trays, jack tray, caster kit), rolling bridge jack, 90° bracket for power unit, and shipping, taxes, was $5400. Looking at their site for what I got is just a touch over $7000 now.
A friend and myself assembled it, so no cost to do that.
I will say, as I had not ever worked on a lift before, but done a lot of wrenching on the ground/jack stands, there is some getting used to doing things up high, that you might have become accustomed to doing down low.
Around here at least, four posts seem to hold their value quite well, so if a situation arose that required getting rid of it, you’d probably not see a huge loss.
pcmeiners
Well-known member
I am 74, still buying tools. Since when do the the majority of car lift buyers use it enough to justify the cost, very few. If you want it and have the money buy it. Then again if you own a Toyota, it may never be needed .
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Jagmandave
Well-known member
My shop has low ceilings too, I have a scissors type lift and absolutely could not live without it - it has saved my back! Yes, you can't get completely under it like with a 2 post - for those that need that capability there's the maxJax. My buddy has that one and doesn't know how he lived without it!
For the OP, it sounds like the 4 post would suit you best. I'm 76 and have had my lift for 8 years now, best investment I ever did for myself where my shop/tools are concerned.....
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I'm 72. No room for a lift.
Oil changes take a lot longer this days ! I try to have all the tools out and next to the vehicle so I have less up and down (moan and groan). Got one coming this weekend !
Oil changes take a lot longer this days ! I try to have all the tools out and next to the vehicle so I have less up and down (moan and groan). Got one coming this weekend !
I have been "jonesing" for an M12 ratchet !
Direct Lift PP8S 8,000 lb 4 post $4,473 (w/o Sliding jack, that's another $1k) all-in delivered to local freight terminal 10 miles away. Prices have gone up a lot though. Vette is only 3100 lbs so I don't think this thing will kill me.
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NORTON'S SHOP
Well-known member
Go for it! Don't stop living until you're dead.
SILVERPLATE
Well-known member
I am 73 and cannot imagine having to think how much time I might have to live in making decisions. I want something I do it or buy it. I have had a four post lift for ten years by the way.
lolaetype
Well-known member
In January 2020 my wife asked why I didn't have a lift. I gave the usual excuses, expense, how much would I use it, etc., she responded that I ought to have one. I bought a MaxJax on my 70th birthday, kind of like a gift from my wife. My sole regret was that I didn't buy one much sooner.
I'm not concerned about where I'll be in 14 years, I'm concerned about enjoyment of life today. A lift makes the garage part of my life life easier. Get it and let your survivors and heirs mull over whether it was a worthwhile purchase.
Mike65
Well-known member
I am trying to decide between a mid-rise lift & a 4 post lift.
mcj115
Well-known member
YOLO! I am not a millennial but it needs to be said....You Only Live Once. Since you say money is not the hurdle I will ask a different question....why shouldn't you get a lift? Showing off the new toy is a great way to built bridges to younger generations and also possibly allow them some use of it for good family time.
4 looks great for storage, and some light work, but you need all the extra stuff to take the wheels off or do any real work.
@ lets you get completely under the car, but doesn't add storage (Usually) and is a bit more work to get the car on the lift.
Maybe someone needs to invent the 6 post lift.
@ lets you get completely under the car, but doesn't add storage (Usually) and is a bit more work to get the car on the lift.
Maybe someone needs to invent the 6 post lift.
firebirdparts
Well-known member
It is the greatest thing ever. So incredibly cheap compared to what it's worth. You will kick yourself for waiting.
kngelv
Well-known member
I’m in my late 50’s and bought my first lift a year ago. A four post Backyard Buddy. Kicking myself for not doing it ten years ago. Don’t hesitate for one second and don’t overthink it. Go ahead and buy yourself a lift. I love mine so much I had a second garage built with a 12’ ceiling. Sitting in here now taking a break as I finish my last interior wall.
James
James
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Blue Chips
Well-known member
I'm older than you are, and I'm currently installing a full-rise scissor lift in our new second garage. In fact, I'm planning to drill the mounting holes in the floor tomorrow. I didn't even have to think twice about buying a lift. I would have done it earlier, but we didn't have the space. Besides being a great tool, a lift will make it more enjoyable to work on vehicles (and anything else you can lift with it).
And...if you're enjoying the work more, you'll probably stay more active, which is good for you.
Oh, and working under a dashboard is often easier with a lift, as long as you can open the doors when the car is raised to a convenient height so that you can reach in and work under the dash (at least much of it) while standing up or sitting on a stool. If you decide to put in a two-post lift, find out if you can still open the car doors when the car's center of gravity is properly positioned over the lift, per the lift manufacturer's instructions. Research the center of gravity for your vehicles and take careful measurements.
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I'm already kicking myself for waiting this long.
Yea, got that taken care of.
engineer2
Well-known member
After removing the starter from our Civic today while it was up on floors jacks and jack stands, I swore someday to get a place with a lift. I'm getting too old to lay on my back under a car.
Byrdnyrd
Well-known member
Upstate,
I installed a 4 Post lift ( BendPak HD-9) 4 years ago when I retired. IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!
Im not kidding, i now look forward to doing stuff on my vehicles. It’s a blast to have a lift!!
the 2 Post guys will try to convince you to go for 2, but at our age, 4 post is the way to go, you never have to get on your knees to adjust the arms.
Definitely get at least one sliding Jack if budget allows. I assembled mine with my wife and my Kubota, it was easy!
PM me if you would like my contact info at BendPak, he’s a good guy and very helpful.
and for GODS sake, post a pic of the Vette!!
Cheers,
BN
I installed a 4 Post lift ( BendPak HD-9) 4 years ago when I retired. IT CHANGED MY LIFE!!
Im not kidding, i now look forward to doing stuff on my vehicles. It’s a blast to have a lift!!
the 2 Post guys will try to convince you to go for 2, but at our age, 4 post is the way to go, you never have to get on your knees to adjust the arms.
Definitely get at least one sliding Jack if budget allows. I assembled mine with my wife and my Kubota, it was easy!
PM me if you would like my contact info at BendPak, he’s a good guy and very helpful.
and for GODS sake, post a pic of the Vette!!
Cheers,
BN
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Jazz1
Well-known member
When you order it, get the aluminum ramps. The steel ones are crazy heavy. Better yet, get the Race Ramps for it. Mine came with steel ramps which went in the trash after a few times of using them. The Race Ramps are 10ish lbs and no sharp edges.
69CHARGERMD
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 23, 2010
- Messages
- 134
I have both a two post and a four post lift. The two post is a 10,000 pound asymmetrical Ben pack, outstanding for working on the car i.e. transmission changes, exhaust, brakes, motor, differential swaps, etc. A little bit more work getting the car lined up on the lift but once you’re on, it’s good.
I also have the Ben pack for post HD nine, great for storage, also good for oil changes and easy, quick access to check something under the car. I have the rolling jack which makes things even better as far as removing tires, brakes. I can’t imagine laying on the ground anymore after having a lift. Good luck.
I also have the Ben pack for post HD nine, great for storage, also good for oil changes and easy, quick access to check something under the car. I have the rolling jack which makes things even better as far as removing tires, brakes. I can’t imagine laying on the ground anymore after having a lift. Good luck.
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BruceMc
Well-known member
Personal experience - I disagree. I find it makes it a lot easier. Makes it easy to pull a seat if needed and, if you lift the car a bit off the ground, then getting under the dash isn't any harder than laying down on the couch. Even though I'm a big guy, thirty or forty years ago I could still snake my way into tight places. Not anymore.
kbeefy
Well-known member
Do It, Do It, Do it!!!
I find that whenever im in the situation where buying something is tugging on the old brain cells, the best remedy has always been to just buy the fkin thing and be done with it, then I can sleep again
As long as you've the height to make full use, a four poster you can move around sounds a good fit for your situation.
Or an insurance policy.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
An auto lift and a pickup tool should be required to come prepackaged with each other.
crazylunker
Well-known member
If I were in your shoes(i'm not there yet but at 56 and several injuries to my body due to my career) With all that shop space, along with the lift and oil drain on wheels. I would include a TV,fridge and recliner Sometimes I need a break when working and having a comfy spot to sit and ponder my next move comes in really handy.
Maxcustody
Well-known member
My 4-post lift is great. I have had it for several years and use it all the time. I am 54 and retired. What I know is that you do not know what tomorrow will bring or if you will be around to see another day. Too many of my friends are gone way too soon. I have decided to enjoy every day while I can. If it will make your life easier and more enjoyable, go for it!
brit vet
Well-known member
My 4 post and bridge jacks are just about the best things I've spent my hard earned cash on in the last few years. My main reason was to reduce the chances of me killing myself under one of the Corvettes should a jack or axle stand fail and thus leaving my family to wish I'd worked safer as they watched my 60 yo squished carcass slide into the incinerator. Stop procrastinating and do it!
Speaking of necessary accessories for safety.
When I got my 2 post, I picked up a set of tall jack stand to use under the lift./
The HF lady asked if I wanted the Extended Service Protection.
I told her If they broke, I doubted my wife would know where to return them.
She gave me an odd look.
When I got my 2 post, I picked up a set of tall jack stand to use under the lift./
The HF lady asked if I wanted the Extended Service Protection.
I told her If they broke, I doubted my wife would know where to return them.
She gave me an odd look.
AC-WC
Well-known member
As much as I like my 2 post, at this stage get a 4 post. Even if you're just doing silly stuff like oil getting on your knees is only going to get more painful as you get older.
You will NOT regret getting it. My lift was cheap compared to the building mods to install it.
You will NOT regret getting it. My lift was cheap compared to the building mods to install it.
Don't sweat it, just have your kids sell it with the house.
When I was looking for a house three years ago, there were three or four houses that were advertised with a lift in the garage.
I only got to tour one of them, the others were sold within 24 hours of posting.
BTW: I got my first 4 post lift at 66, I already had a MaxJack, but my knees are getting bad.
I also have the hardtop for it, rarely use the convertible.
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Internal ceiling height of shop is about 13', so no problem there. I hear you, just buy it, but it's 15' long and weighs 2,000 lbs or so, so it's a bigger decision than buying a toaster !!! lolI find that whenever im in the situation where buying something is tugging on the old brain cells, the best remedy has always been to just buy the fkin thing and be done with it, then I can sleep again
As long as you've the height to make full use, a four poster you can move around sounds a good fit for your situation.